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New research outlines a critical driver in an immune cell's defense against melanoma

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute discovered that nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) plays a key role in how immune cells fight melanoma tumors. The study found that disrupting the NAMPT pathway impairs antitumor function, and novel therapies targeting this pathway may lead to improved outcomes for patients.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

An amyloid link between Parkinson's disease and melanoma

Researchers found a molecular link between Parkinson's disease and melanoma, with amyloid proteins α-synuclein and Pmel interacting in melanoma cells. This interaction may lead to reduced pigment production, contributing to the increased risk of melanoma in Parkinson's patients.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 7, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study of NCOA3 yields novel findings of melanoma progression

Pre-clinical study finds NCOA3 activation contributes to melanoma development after exposure to ultraviolet light, promoting survival advantage and accumulation of DNA damage. A single nucleotide polymorphism in NCOA3 decreases protein production, increasing sensitivity to UV-mediated cell death.

SourceSutter Health·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 25, 2021

Deluge of DNA changes drives progression of fatal melanomas

Researchers tracked DNA changes in melanoma samples to understand how the disease progresses and develops resistance to treatment. The study revealed chaotic genetic changes that contribute to aggressive disease growth and treatment resistance, offering potential targets for new therapies.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2021

Why some melanoma patients do not respond to immunotherapy

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed a new technique that uncovers tricks cancer cells use to evade immunotherapies. The approach identified new mechanisms of resistance and validated existing ones, providing insights into why some melanoma patients don't respond to treatment.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 1, 2021

BU researchers identify promising therapeutic agent against melanoma

A new study from Boston University School of Medicine has discovered a drug that can inhibit the growth and spread of melanoma in human cells and experimental models. The researchers found that this drug acts through a specific pathway to prevent cancer cell growth and metastasis.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 1, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Vaccine produces long-lasting anti-tumor response in patients with melanoma

Researchers found that a personalized cancer vaccine, NeoVax, stimulates a durable immune response in patients with melanoma. The study demonstrated the staying power of the immune response, which remained effective nearly four years after vaccination and expanded to recognize other proteins on tumor cells.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 21, 2021

New humanized mouse model provides insight into immunotherapy resistance

A new humanized mouse model has revealed that tumor-infiltrating mast cells are connected to immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance in melanoma. Combining anti-PD-1 therapy with small molecule inhibitors able to deplete mast cells caused complete regression of tumors and prolonged survival in mice.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 12, 2021

New humanized mouse model provides insight into immunotherapy resistance

A new humanized mouse model has revealed a central role for mast cells in immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance in melanoma. The study found that depleting mast cells improves treatment responses to anti-PD-1 therapy, suggesting a potential new approach for treating this type of cancer.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 12, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

How cancers hurt themselves to hurt immune cells more

Researchers discovered that melanoma cells employ 'frameshifting' to starve themselves of tryptophan, a key amino acid needed for protein production. This process allows cancer cells to survive and evade T cell attacks.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateDec 20, 2020

UV light may be a greater risk for melanoma than suspected

A WSU study found that UV light induces new types of DNA damage that may cause malignant melanoma, supporting its role in cancer development. Researchers discovered rare mutations linked to melanoma in irradiated yeast cells, expanding previous understanding of UV damage.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 17, 2020

Study identifies patients with lung cancer most likely to respond to immunotherapy

Researchers found patients with a particular type of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B44 were more likely to benefit from immunotherapy in melanoma but not non-small cell lung cancer. The study identified mutations driving the different responses, paving the way for better patient stratification and potential therapy design.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Cancer·DateNov 16, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Aggressive melanoma cells at edge of tumours are key to cancer spread

Researchers have discovered a subset of melanoma cells located at the edge of tumours that are highly invasive and successful at forming new tumours. These 'rounded-amoeboid' cells use a powerful signalling cascade to initiate tumour growth, offering new insights into cancer spread and treatment options.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2020

UCI study points to how skin cells cooperate to thwart cancer

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine discovered that skin cells communicate with each other through protein signals to stop growing and prevent cancer. This finding could lead to new treatment options and potentially prevent melanomas from developing in the first place.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateOct 13, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Risk of deadly skin cancer may be gauged by accumulated DNA damage

A new study has discovered that accumulated DNA damage in skin cells can be used to estimate the risk of deadly skin cancer. Researchers sequenced DNA from individual melanocytes and found a significant number of mutations associated with melanoma, even in people without visible moles.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateOct 7, 2020

Melanoma and Parkinson's disease

A study reveals that amyloid protein alpha-synuclein found in Parkinson's brains is also present in skin cells producing melanin, modulating protein fibril formation and suggesting a molecular link between the two diseases. The discovery may explain the observed association between Parkinson's disease and melanoma.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

How tumor cells evade the immune defense

Researchers have developed a method to investigate how cancer cells evade the immune system, revealing that some genes can be downregulated over time to avoid detection. The study suggests that targeting these genes could lead to more effective immune therapies.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateAug 5, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Blocking tumor signals can hinder cancer's spread

Researchers identified an enzyme, p38α kinase, as crucial for metastasis, which is the primary cause of cancer deaths. By blocking this enzyme using an inhibitor, they successfully reduced melanoma's spread to the lungs and prolonged survival time.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Cancer·DateMay 28, 2020

A new method for predicting the evolution of melanoma emerges

A new method for predicting the evolution of melanoma uses the quantification of BRAF-V600E mutation load as a prognostic marker. The study found that patients with lower levels of this mutation in their primary tumours were more likely to develop metastasis, suggesting its potential use as a predictor of progress to metastasis.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 27, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Scientists double understanding of genetic risk of melanoma

Researchers identified 33 new regions and confirmed 21 previously reported regions linked to melanoma risk, shedding light on the immune system's role in the disease. The study also uncovered associations between melanoma and common genetic variants in the TP53 gene.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 27, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Research uncovers new path for melanoma detection and treatment

A new method for detecting circulating tumour cells (CTCs) has been developed to improve the monitoring of cancer patients. This approach increases detection rates from 40-87% to 72%, offering a new avenue for cancer diagnosis and therapies.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 9, 2020

Scientists study zebrafish in search of melanoma-fighting drugs

Researchers at Northern Arizona University are studying zebrafish with mutated BRAF genes to develop new melanoma treatments. They aim to predict optimal drug combinations using computational models and test them in humanized zebrafish, potentially leading to new therapies within the next year or two.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·DateJan 21, 2020

Body's natural signal carriers can help melanoma spread

Researchers found that melanoma cells secrete extracellular vesicles via the hedgehog signalling pathway, intensifying malignant properties in target cells. This discovery can help develop better treatment and diagnostics for melanoma.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·DateJan 16, 2020

Circular RNA limits skin cancer spread

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have discovered a new role for circular RNA in regulating the spread of melanoma cancers. The study found that CDR1as blocks the aggressive growth of cancer cells, while its loss promotes it. Higher levels of CDR1as were linked to increased survival rates among patients with melanoma.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 13, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Skin cancer mystery revealed in yin and yang protein

Scientists have determined the structure of the B-Raf protein, which is responsible for about 50% of melanomas. The study reveals an asymmetric organization of the complex, enabling asymmetric activation of the B-Raf dimer, a mechanism that explains the origin of paradoxical activation by small molecule inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2019

Moffitt researchers develop more efficient approach to create mouse models

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed a new platform for creating genetically engineered mice to study melanoma, which is significantly faster than the traditional approach. This new method uses chimera mouse models and chimera-derived melanoma cell lines to provide a faster way to study skin cancer.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 17, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Some skin cancers may start in hair follicles

Researchers found that newly cancerous pigment stem cells migrate up and out of hair follicles to establish melanomas in nearby surface skin before spreading deeper. This discovery sheds new light on the biology of melanoma and suggests potential new ideas for treatment.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Skin cancer above the neck more likely to spread, research shows

A recent study found that malignant melanoma (MM) on the neck has a higher chance of spreading beyond the skin compared to MM below the neck. Researchers investigated 45 patients over six months and discovered that out of the 37 below neck MM patients, none had distant metastases, while two out of eight above neck MM patients did.

SourceSpink Health·DateOct 10, 2019

Melanoma variability at the single-cell level predicts treatment responses

Researchers found that differences at the single-cell level can predict responses to BRAF inhibitor therapy, and leveraging these differences may improve patient outcomes. Maintaining a population of cells within the drug-sensitive State 1 was critical to maintaining drug sensitivity.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalEBioMedicine·DateOct 8, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Novel strategy using microRNA biomarkers can distinguish melanomas from nevi

Researchers developed a new approach to diagnosing melanoma using microRNA biomarkers, achieving high sensitivity and specificity rates. The method overcomes challenges of tumor heterogeneity and improves diagnostic accuracy, potentially leading to earlier detection and better patient outcomes.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateSep 30, 2019

Cancer protocols: A new approach to predicting treatment outcomes

The study found that tumor heterogeneity, not mutational burden, is a key factor in determining the success of immunotherapy for melanoma patients. Researchers developed an experimental system to systematically generate tumors with intermediate levels of genetic heterogeneity, leading to a high correlation between this factor and treat...

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell·DateSep 23, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Blocking inflammatory pathway key to preventing brain metastasis from melanoma

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that tumor cells 'hijack' an inflammatory pathway in the brain to spread melanoma, and blocking this pathway could prevent brain metastases. The study found that inhibiting the expression of a specific receptor on melanoma cells significantly inhibited the development of brain metastases.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 19, 2019

MDM2 counteracts resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors for melanoma therapy

Researchers have identified a combination therapy of MDM2 compounds and CDK4/6 inhibitors as a possible solution for overcoming resistance to these drugs in melanoma patients. The therapy was shown to reverse resistance mechanisms in multiple mouse models and human tumor slice culture assays.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 15, 2019

Moles on the body largely influenced by genetics, finds new study

A recent study published in Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research has found that genetic factors significantly influence not only the number of moles but also their location on the body. In women, the largest genetic impact is seen on the lower limbs, with a higher concentration of moles in this area compared to men.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPigment Cell & Melanoma Research·DateAug 14, 2019

Tel Aviv university scientists develop novel nano-vaccine for melanoma

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a novel nano-vaccine for melanoma, which has proven effective in preventing the development of melanoma in mouse models and treating primary tumors. The vaccine uses nanoparticles to stimulate the immune system and attack cancer cells.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 5, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Moffitt researchers identify effective drug combination against uveal melanoma

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified a new drug combination that is effective against metastatic uveal melanoma cells. The combination of an MEK inhibitor and a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, such as panobinostat, has been shown to prevent resistance to the MEK inhibitor and enhance its anti-tumor properties.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 8, 2019

Protein linked to aggressive skin cancer

Researchers at Lund University discovered a link between protein DDX3X and MITF gene, which plays a crucial role in melanoma cell aggressiveness. The study's findings suggest that DDX3X levels can predict disease prognosis.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 28, 2019

Researchers identify compounds that starve melanoma cancer cells of energy

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered two compounds, deguelin and rotenone, that can inhibit the metabolism of melanoma cancer cells, effectively starving them of energy. This breakthrough offers a new potential treatment option for drug-resistant metastatic melanoma.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMolecular Carcinogenesis·DateJun 18, 2019